Somewhat Resilient
Last Update: 10/7/2026
AI Resilience Score for Cooks, Short Order:
45.4%
Median Score
Meaningful human contribution
Measures the parts of the occupation that still require a human touch. This score averages data from up to four AI exposure datasets, focusing on the role’s resilience against automation.
Med
Long-term employer demand
Predicts the health of the job market for this role through 2034. Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, it balances projected annual job openings (60%) with overall employment growth (40%).
Med
Sustained economic opportunity
Measures future earning potential and career flexibility. This score is a blend of total projected labor income (67%) and the role’s inherent ability to adapt to economic and technological shifts (33%).
Low
This reflects the reliability of your score based on the number of data sources available for this career and how closely those sources agree on the outlook. A higher confidence means more consistent evidence from labor experts and AI models.
There are a reasonable number of sources for this result, but there is some disagreement between them.
AI Resilience Report forCooks, Short Order
$35,880 median salary•17,400 annual openings•SOC Code: 35-2015.00
Cooks, Short Order are somewhat less resilient to AI impacts than most occupations, according to our analysis of 7 sources.
Short-order cooking earns a "Somewhat Resilient" label because AI is genuinely changing the job, but not erasing it. Robots like Flippy can handle repetitive tasks such as frying, and AI software is now managing order timing and scheduling, which means some of the more routine parts of this work are shifting away from human hands.
Learn more about how you can thrive in this position
This role is somewhat resilient
Short-order cooking earns a "Somewhat Resilient" label because AI is genuinely changing the job, but not erasing it. Robots like Flippy can handle repetitive tasks such as frying, and AI software is now managing order timing and scheduling, which means some of the more routine parts of this work are shifting away from human hands.
Read full analysisAnalysis of current AI resilience
Cooks, Short Order
Updated quarterly
How can Cooks, Short Order prepare for AI?
Latest AI news for Cooks, Short Order
These articles highlight the growing influence of AI on "Cooks, Short Order" careers. With a high AI replacement risk score of 75/100, roles in this field face challenges, as seen with Taco Bell's use of AI to streamline orders. However, the potential for AI to enhance menu curation, as discussed in the academic article, suggests opportunities for cooks to focus on creativity and customer interaction. Embracing technology while honing unique skills can help future cooks remain resilient in an evolving job landscape.
Will AI Replace Cooks, Short Order? AI Risk Score: 75/100
www.replacedbai.com • 9/20/2026
No, Cooks, Short Order roles face significant AI replacement risk. With a risk score of 75/100, this occupation is in the high-danger zone for automation. Read more
Fast food chain Taco Bell is turning to artificial intelligence to ...
www.facebook.com • 9/20/2026
As much as I like interacting with a human, the AI got my order correct the first time and took a fraction of the time I Just wish they ...
AI-powered in the digital age: Ensemble innovation ...
www.sciencedirect.com • 9/20/2026
by C Yaiprasert · 2024 · Cited by 84 — AI might not just predict your order but curate menus based on your real-time needs and desires, suggesting dishes that align with your dietary restrictions, ... Read more
List of jobs that cannot be replaced by AI. What does short ...
www.reddit.com • 9/20/2026
One reason why short-order cooks may be considered difficult to replace with AI is because their work requires a combination of manual ... Read more
Cooks Short Order AI Replacement Risk (74/100)
www.aijobchecker.com • 9/20/2026
Cooks Short Order score 74/100 for AI replacement risk. Robotic fryers are already deployed at scale. See which tasks are most at risk and how to adapt.
More Career Info
Career: Cooks, Short Order
They quickly prepare simple meals like burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast foods in diners or small restaurants, making sure customers get their food fast and fresh.
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Employment & Wage Data
Median Wage
$35,880
Jobs (2025)
138,700
Growth (2025-35)
-5.2%
Annual Openings
17,400
Education
No formal educational credential
Experience
None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025-2035
Task-Level AI Resilience Scores
AI-generated estimates of task resilience over the next 3 years
1
Perform food preparation tasks, such as making sandwiches, carving meats, making soups or salads, baking breads or desserts, and brewing coffee or tea.
2
Grill and garnish hamburgers or other meats, such as steaks and chops.
3
Clean food preparation equipment, work areas, and counters or tables.
4
Take orders from customers and cook foods requiring short preparation times, according to customer requirements.
5
Perform general cleaning activities in kitchen and dining areas.
6
Grill, cook, and fry foods such as french fries, eggs, and pancakes.
7
Complete orders from steam tables, placing food on plates and serving customers at tables or counters.
Tasks are ranked by their AI resilience, with the most resilient tasks shown first. Core tasks are essential functions of this occupation, while supplemental tasks provide additional context.
